(P18-044-23) Duration of Breastfeeding and Its Relation With Ultra-Processed Products and Sweetened Beverages Intake: A Population Study in Early Childhood

Objectives: Longer breastfeeding duration (BFD) seems to be associated with healthier eating habits in children. Aim of this study was to investigate the association between BFD and ultra-processed products (UP) and sweetened beverages (SB) intake in children (6 months to 4 years), and in the same children two years later.

Methods: Data were obtained in the First National Survey of Child Health, Nutrition and Development of Uruguay, including children under 4y (n=2948) recruited in 2013 and the same children (n=2287) in 2015. The interviewed adult was asked about BFD and child´s eating habits through a qualitative survey. Children were evaluated with the WHO Child Growth Standards. Categories combining consumption of UP/SB and healthy food were used to analyze global food quality. Adjusted regression models were tested to evaluate association between BFD and children intake of UP and SB, adjusted for maternal age and body mass index, food security and school attendance. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS Statistics version 25.

Results: In 2013, children ≥24 months with BFD ≥6 months, presented lower SB intake (p=0.048) and better global food quality (p=0.001). BFD ≥6 months was associated with lower SB intake in the crude model (p=0.04) but not in the adjusted. UP and SB intake was associated with food insecurity (OR: 2.09-2.44 for UP; 1.39-2.37 for BA). In children ≥24 months, non-attendance to school was independently associated with greater SB consumption (OR: 1.98).

In 2015, SB intake was strongly associated with SB intake in 2013 (p=0.000). Most children with no SB consumption and best global food quality had BFD ≥6 months, compared with children who consumed SB (p < 0. 05). BFD ≥6 months was associated with lower consumption of SB (OR: 0.53) in children 2-4y. In all children, SB consumption in 2015 were associated with SB intake in 2013 (OR: 4.5) and food insecurity (OR: 1.43-1.75). Children 4-6y who consumed UP, either in 2013 or 2015, increased weight/height z-score indicator compared to 2013 (p ≤ 0.006), and longer BFD (OR: 0.52) and non-attendance to school (OR: 1.54) were independent factors associated with UP consumption.

Conclusions: BFD may constitute a protective factor against UP and SB consumption in children under 6 years, depending on the interaction with other factors not yet completely explored.

Funding Sources: Instituto Nacional Estadística Uruguay